Struggling to pray with my kids when I'm not even sure what I believe anymore

Apr 151 min read

This is hard to admit but I've been going through a rough faith season and my kids keep asking why I seem different during family Bible time. I want to lead them spiritually but I feel like I'm faking it and they can probably tell. My wife hasn't even noticed yet but I know I need to deal with this before it gets worse. Has anyone else been through a crisis of faith while trying to be the spiritual leader of their home? I don't want to raise my kids the way my dad raised me, checking all the boxes without actually living it out. Need some honest perspectives here.

6 comments136 views

Comments(6)

BBob M.RegularApr 15

I've been there with the faith wobbles too. What helped me was stopping the performance and just being genuine about where I'm at. Kids feel that difference.

CClint R.RegularApr 15

It's okay to tell them you're working through some stuff and that faith isn't always a straight line. They're smart enough to know when their dad is being real versus putting on a show.

GGary R.RegularApr 15

Being honest about your doubts might actually be what they need to hear. They don't need a dad who has it all figured out, they need a dad who's real with them about the journey.

JJosh M.RegularApr 16

This is real and I appreciate you saying it. Maybe focus on the values underneath the faith stuff for now - kindness, honesty, taking care of people. That's what my kids remember anyway.

PPatrick M.New DadApr 16

Rough season or not, the fact that you're thinking about this and wanting to do right by your kids says everything. You don't have to have it all figured out. They just need you present.

RRyanRegularApr 16

I've been there. Started telling my kids 'I'm still figuring some things out' which is honest and doesn't put pressure on either of us. They actually respect that more than me pretending to have all the answers.